Utility terrain vehicle door assembly

ABSTRACT

A utility task vehicle includes a vehicle body including an opening. A door is positioned adjacent the opening. The door is configured to pivot about a first axis between an open position and a closed position. A window assembly is positioned adjacent and operably coupled to the door. The window assembly is configured to pivot about a second axis between an open position and a closed position. Rotation of the window assembly about the second axis is driven by rotation of said door about the first axis. In combination, the door and the window assembly substantially seal the opening of the vehicle body.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. application Ser. No.15/893,098 filed Feb. 9, 2018, U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No.62/458,655, filed Feb. 14, 2017 and U.S. Provisional Application Ser.No. 62/509,332, filed May 22, 2017, which are incorporated herein byreference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a doorassembly of a utility all-terrain vehicle, and more particularly, to agull wing door assembly for a utility all-terrain vehicle.

Utility task vehicles, also referred to as UTVs, are increasing inpopularity due to their versatility. UTVs may be used for manyrecreational and work purposes, such as trail riding, racing, cargohauling, and transportation. UTV's typically include an open cage builtaround a cab for protecting the passengers in the UTV and for providingstrength and maintaining the structural integrity of the UTV during acrash or rollover event. Some UTVs are manufactured to include a doormounted to the chassis to further protect the passengers in the UTV.However, these doors extend over only a portion of the height of thevehicle and therefore fail to protect passengers within the UTV not onlyfrom the elements, but also form debris that may be encountered duringoperation of the UTV.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, a utility task vehicle includes a vehicle bodyincluding an opening. A door is positioned adjacent the opening. Thedoor is configured to pivot about a first axis between an open positionand a closed position. A window assembly is positioned adjacent andoperably coupled to the door. The window assembly is configured to pivotabout a second axis between an open position and a closed position.Rotation of the window assembly about the second axis is driven byrotation of said door about the first axis. In combination, the door andthe window assembly substantially seal the opening of the vehicle body.

In another embodiment, a utility task vehicle includes a vehicle bodyhaving a chassis and a roll cage defining an opening. A window assemblyis directly coupled to the roll cage adjacent the opening. The windowassembly is rotatable about an axis between a closed position and anopen position.

In another embodiment, a method of exiting a utility task vehicleincludes rotating a door about a first axis from a closed position to anopen position. A window assembly is rotated about a second axis from aclosed position to an open position. The door is fixedly mounted to thewindow assembly such that the door and the window assembly rotate aboutsaid first axis and said second axis together.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other features and advantages of embodiments areapparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunctionwith the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example of a utility vehicle;

FIG. 2 is a side view of a utility vehicle including a door assemblyaccording to an embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a side view of the utility vehicle of FIG. 2 with the coveringof a portion of the door assembly removed according to an embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the utility vehicle of FIG. 3 with thedoor assembly in an open position according to an embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a front view of the interior of the door assembly of FIG. 2according to an embodiment;

FIG. 6 is top perspective view of the utility vehicle of FIG. 3according to an embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the interior of the door assembly ofFIG. 3 according to an embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the door assembly of a utility vehiclein a closed configuration according to an embodiment;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the door assembly of FIG. 8 in an openconfiguration according to an embodiment;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the door assembly of FIG. 8 with aportion of the covering of the window assembly in a retractedconfiguration according to an embodiment;

FIG. 11 is a side view of a utility vehicle including a plurality ofdoor assemblies according to an embodiment;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the utility vehicle of FIG. 11according to an embodiment;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the utility vehicle according to anembodiment;

FIG. 14 is another perspective view of the utility vehicle of FIG. 13with the covering of a portion of the door assembly removed according toan embodiment;

FIG. 15 is a front view of the door assembly of FIG. 14 according to anembodiment;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a portion of the door assembly of FIG.14 according to an embodiment;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of another portion of the door assembly ofFIG. 14 according to an embodiment;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a portion of the door assembly of FIG.14 according to an embodiment;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a utility vehicle including a doorassembly according to an embodiment;

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a portion of the door assembly of FIG.19 according to an embodiment;

FIG. 21 is another perspective view of a portion of the door assembly ofFIG. 20 according to an embodiment;

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a portion of the door assembly of FIG.19 according to an embodiment;

FIG. 23 is another perspective view of the portion of the door assemblyof FIG. 22 according to an embodiment;

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a portion of a window assembly in anopen and closed position according to an embodiment;

FIG. 25 is a side view of a door and window assembly in an open andclosed position according to an embodiment; and

FIG. 26 is a side view of a door and window assembly in an open andclosed position with an active locking mechanism in a locked andunlocked position according to another embodiment.

The detailed description describes exemplary embodiments, together withsome of the advantages and features thereof, by way of example withreference to the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the FIGS., an example of a utility task vehicle (UTV)is illustrated in FIG. 1. It should be understood that the term “utilitytask vehicle” or UTV as used herein is intended to include any suitablevehicle, including, but not limited to, a side by side vehicle (S×S), arecreation terrain vehicle (RTV), a recreational off highway vehicle(ROV or ROHV), and a multipurpose off highway utility vehicle (MOHUV).The UTV 20 includes a vehicle body comprising a chassis 22 supported bya plurality of ground engaging members, such as wheels including tiresfor example. The chassis 22 forms the body of the vehicle 20 including afront fender 24, dashboard 26, rear fender 28, and floor board (notshown). The chassis 22 similarly defines a seating area 30 within whichat least one person may be seated to operate the UTV 20. In anembodiment, the seating area 30 includes two seats 32 arranged in aside-by-side configuration. In another embodiment, illustrated in FIG.1, the seating area 30 includes a first row containing at least one seat32 and a second row disposed behind the first row, containing at leastone seat. It should be understood, that embodiments where the seatingarea 30 of the UTV 20 includes any number of rows and seats are alsowithin the scope of the disclosure. In some embodiments, the UTV 20 mayinclude a substantially open rear cargo area 34 arranged behind theseating area 30.

The vehicle body additionally includes a roll cage 40 configured tocooperate with the chassis 22 to define an interior of the UTV 20. Theroll cage 40 is positioned generally adjacent to and surrounding theseating area 30. In addition, in embodiments where the UTV 20 includes arear cargo area 34, the roll cage 40 may, but need not, surround atleast a portion of the rear cargo area 34. The roll cage 40 is generallymade from a strong, durable material, such as a metal or composite forexample, and is intended to protect the passengers or cargo locatedtherein in the event of a rollover or crash.

The roll cage 40 typically includes a similar left section 42 and rightsection 44 spaced apart from one another. The left and right sections42, 44 may but need not be arranged parallel to one another.Alternatively, or in addition, the left section 42 and the right section44 may be symmetrical about a vertically oriented plane extendinglongitudinally through the chassis 22 of the vehicle 20. Each of theleft and right sections 42, 44 includes a front pillar 50 and a rearpillar 52 extending vertically or at an angle from the chassis 22. Thefront and rear pillar 50, 52 of each section 42, 44 are connected via aconnecting pillar 54. In one embodiment, the front pillar 50, connectingpillar 54, and rear pillar 52 of a respective section 42, 44 of the rollcage 40 are integrally formed by bending a post, pipe, or otherstructural member. For added stability, one or more cross-bars 56 mayextend between and couple the left and right sections 42, 44 of the rollcage 40. For example, a front cross-bar 56 may be arranged generallyadjacent an upper edge of the windshield 26 and a rear cross-bar 56 mayconnect the rear posts 52 of the left and right sections 42, 44.

In some embodiments, each section 42, 44 of roll cage 40 additionallyincludes an intermediate pillar 58, located at a position between thefront and rear pillars 50, 52. The intermediate pillar 58 extends fromthe chassis 22 and connects to a portion of the connecting pillar 54between the front and rear pillars 50, 52. Accordingly, a first portionof the roll cage 40 is defined between the front and intermediatepillars 50, 58 and a second portion of the roll cage 40 is definedbetween the intermediate pillars 58 and the rear pillars 52. In someembodiments where the UTV 20 includes multiple rows within the seatingarea 30 (FIGS. 1 and 11), a first row of seating is associated with thefirst portion of the roll cage 40, and a second row of seating isassociated with the second portion of the roll cage 40. In someembodiments where the UTV 20 includes a rear cargo area 34, the seatingarea 30 may be associated with the first portion of the roll cage 40,and the cargo area 34 may be associated with the second portion of theroll cage 40.

The UTV 20 includes one or more doors assemblies 60, for example mountedto the chassis 22, which provide access to at least one of the seatingarea 30 and the rear cargo area 34. Each door assembly 60 includes adoor 62 that may be a standard component of the UTV 20 provided by theoriginal equipment manufacturer. The door 62 has a height substantiallysimilar to the remainder of the chassis 22 such that the door 62selectively seals a portion of an adjacent opening 64 defined by thechassis 22 and the roll cage 40. Regardless of its location about thebody, the door 62 typically includes one or more hinges 66 mountedadjacent to an edge 68 thereof such that the door 62 is pivotable aboutan axis X defined by the hinges 66. When the door 62 is mounted adjacentthe seating area 30, the axis of rotation X may be oriented generallyvertically such as within ±15° of vertical for example. In embodimentswhere the door 62 is mounted adjacent a rear cargo area 34, the axis ofrotation X may be oriented generally vertically or generallyhorizontally.

The door 62 is rotatable about the axis X between a closed position (seeFIG. 2) and an open position (see FIG. 4). In the closed position, thedoor 62 is oriented generally parallel to the adjacent chassis 22 toseal a portion of the opening 64. In an open position, the door 62 isarranged at an angle to the chassis 22, such as between a 60 degree and120 degree angle for example, to expose the adjacent opening 64 formedbetween the chassis 22 and the roll cage 40.

A latch (not shown), for example including a rotatable pawl and detent,is mounted at an edge 70 of the door 62 opposite the hinges 66 isprovided to retain the door 62 in a closed position. A handle operablycoupled to the latch may be used to selectively release the door 62,thereby allowing the door 62 to pivot freely about axis X from theclosed position to an open position.

Because the height of the door 62 is generally complementary to thechassis 22, the door 62 is configured to seal only a lower portion ofthe opening 64 defined between the chassis 22 and the roll cage 40. Withreference now to FIGS. 2-27, the door assembly 60 further includes awindow assembly 72 disposed directly adjacent, for example verticallyabove, the door 62 to seal an upper portion of the opening 64. Thewindow assembly 72 includes a frame 74 generally complementary to anadjacent portion of the roll cage 40. For example, in FIGS. 2-5, theframe 74 of the window assembly 72 has a contour similar to the frontpillar 50, connecting pillar 54, and intermediate pillar 56 of a section42, 44 of the roll cage 40. In another embodiment, illustrated in FIGS.13-14, the frame 74 of the window assembly 72 is complementary to acontour defined by the front pillar 50, connecting pillar 54, and rearpillar 52 of a section 42, 44 of the roll cage 40. Alternatively, whenthe window assembly 72 is mounted adjacent a rear portion of the seatingarea 30, as shown in FIG. 11, the frame 74 is shaped similar to theintermediate post 56, connecting post 54, and the rear post 52.

A cover 76 is configured to surround the frame 74 to prevent rain anddebris from entering the interior of the roll cage 40 when the windowassembly 72 is in a closed position. The cover 74 may be formed from anysuitable material, including, but not limited to fabric, plastic, glass,metal or any combination thereof. In an embodiment, at least a portionof the cover 76, such as a generally transparent window 78 formedtherein for example, is configured to transform between a first extendedconfiguration (see FIGS. 8 and 9) and a second retracted configuration(see FIG. 10) to provide access to the interior of the UTV 20. Forexample, the window 78 may be connected to the cover 76 via a fastener,such as a zipper for example. Accordingly, in the retractedconfiguration, the window 78 may be completely separate from the cover76, or alternatively, only a limited portion of the window 78 may beconnected to the cover 76, thereby allowing the window 78 to be rolledup or folded for storage (best shown in FIG. 10).

Similar to the first door 62, the window assembly 72 is rotatable aboutan axis between a closed position and an open position. In the closedconfiguration, the window assembly 72 is arranged substantially parallelto and flush with the chassis 22 and the roll cage 40, and in the openconfiguration the window assembly 72 is arranged at an angle to thechassis 22 such that the adjacent opening 64 is uncovered. In anembodiment, the window assembly 72 is arranged at an angle between about60 degrees and 120 degrees in the open position.

In an embodiment, the window assembly 72 is connected to the first door62 so that the first door 62 and the window assembly 72 of the doorassembly 60 are transformable between the closed position and the openposition, respectively, in unison. However, embodiments where the windowassembly 72 and the first door 62 are independently operable are alsocontemplated herein.

As best shown in FIGS. 5, 7, 15, 17, 20 and 21 one or more mountingbrackets 80 connect a portion of the frame 74 of the window assembly 72to the first door 62. Each mounting bracket 80 is affixed to the firstdoor 62, such as via one or more fasteners 82 for example. In anembodiment, the at least one mounting bracket 80 is configured toconnect to a portion of the frame 74 arranged directly adjacent, i.e.upwardly adjacent, the first door 62. In the illustrated, non-limitingembodiment, an end 84 of each mounting bracket 80 extends beyond thedoor 62 and surrounds a substantial part or entirety of a periphery ofthe adjacent frame 74 (best shown in FIGS. 17 and 21). However, amounting bracket 80 having any configuration, or any mechanism suitableto rigidly attach the frame 74 to the first door 62 is contemplatedherein. In an embodiment, the door assembly 60 includes a plurality ofmounting brackets 80 spaced apart from one another over the length ofthe first door 62. Inclusion of multiple mounting brackets 80 increasesnot only the strength of the connection between the frame 74 and thefirst door 62, but also the rigidity of frame 74. The rigidity of thedoor assembly 60 achieved via the mounting brackets 80 may be suitablefor travel at or exceeding highways speeds.

The window assembly 72 is additionally coupled to the roll cage 40 ofthe UTV 20 via one or more connectors 90. The position and type ofconnector 90 used to couple the frame 74 to the roll cage 40 will varybased on the configuration of UTV 20 and/or the lower door 62. The oneor more connectors 90 are fixedly mounted to the roll cage 40, such asvia one or more fasteners 92 for example, so that that no relativemovement between the connector and the roll cage occurs 40. In anembodiment, the connector 90 has a plate-like configuration and ismounted parallel to an in overlapping arrangement with a portion of theroll cage 40, as shown in FIG. 6. In another embodiment, illustrated inFIGS. 19-23, the connector 90 is configured to surround or enclose aperiphery of a portion of the roll cage 40, such as the connectingpillar 54 for example.

The frame 74 is associated with the connector 90 such that the frame 74is configured to rotate freely relative to the connector 90 to definethe rotational axis Y of the window assembly 72. In an embodiment, anend 94 of the frame 74 is pinned to the connector 90 to define the axisof rotation Y (FIGS. 22 and 23). In another embodiment, an intermediateportion of the frame 74 is receivable within a corresponding opening inthe connector 90. In such embodiments, the frame 74 may be formed fromtwo separate pieces operably coupled together via a hinge 96. Theintermediate portion of the frame 74 is restricted from rotation andtranslation relative to the connector 90 and roll cage 40. It should beunderstood that the connectors illustrated and described herein areintended as examples only, and that any connector 90 suitable for use inthe door assembly 60 is within the scope of the disclosure.

Upon actuation of a latch associated with the first door 62, both thedoor and window assembly 62, 72 are configured to rotate about theirrespective axes X, Y to allow a passenger to enter and exit from thevehicle 20. In an embodiment, to facilitate rotation of the door andwindow assembly 62, 72 as single unit, the rotational axis Y of thewindow assembly 72 and the rotational axis X of the door 62 are arrangedgenerally parallel to one another, and in some embodiments, aregenerally collinear. However, in other embodiments, the rotational axesX, Y are offset from one another. Further, misalignment of rotationalaxes X and Y can be tolerated due to the flexure of the frame 74 of thewindow assembly 72. This flexure allows the position of the connector 90or hinge 96 of the window assembly 72 to be optimized to allow thewindow assembly 72 to smoothly rotate in conjunction with the door 62 toaccess to the opening 64. In such embodiments, the rotational axes X, Yare arranged at an angle of than or equal to about 30 degrees, and morespecifically at an angle of less than or equal to 15 degrees.

With reference now to FIGS. 24-26, in an embodiment, the frame 74 of thewindow assembly 72 is configured to flex to assist in locking the frame74, and therefore the window assembly 72, in a closed position. In thenon-limiting embodiment of FIG. 24, a clamp 100 having an engagementmember 102 extending therefrom is mounted to a portion of the frame 74.A clamp 104 having an opening 106 complementary to the engagement member102 is mounted to a corresponding portion of the roll cage 40. As thedoor 62 and window assembly 72 are pivoted about their respective axesX, Y towards the closed position, at least a portion of the frame 74begins to flex about a secondary axis, distinct from rotational axis Y.This flexure causes the engagement member 102 to insert and translaterelative to opening 106 formed in the clamp 104 on the roll cage 40. Inan embodiment, this flexure may be directly caused by engagement betweena forward portion of the frame 74 and a corresponding portion of theroll cage 40.

Alternatively, the flexure of the frame 74 may be configured to allowthe window assembly 72 to move into engagement with the roll cage 40. Asshown in FIGS. 25 and 26, an upper portion 108 of the frame 74 isseparate from a corresponding connector 110 on the roll cage 40 when thedoor 62 and window assembly 72 are in the open position. As the door andwindow assembly 62, 72 are rotated closed, the window frame 74 engagesthe connector 110 and temporarily bends while closed to achieve avertical orientation as shown on the right.

The connector of the roll cage may additionally include an activelocking mechanism 112 movable between an unlocked and a locked position.When the locking mechanism is in a locked position, movement of the doorand window assembly 62, 72 from the closed position is restricted asshown in FIG. 26. In the non-limiting embodiment, the locking mechanismcomprises a rotatable bar, and the angle of the bar relative to theframe 74 restricts motion of the frame 74 away from the roll cage 40.However, the frame 74 may be receivable adjacent the roll cage 40,corresponding to a closed position of the window assembly 72, regardlessof whether the locking mechanism 112 is arranged in an unlocked orlocked position. The locking mechanism 112 illustrated and describedherein is intended as an example only, and other suitable lockingmechanisms are also contemplated herein.

A UTV 20 including a door assembly 60 having both a door 62 and a windowassembly described herein provides a barrier for protecting an operatorof the UTV 20 from debris, rain, etc.

While the invention has been described with reference to an exemplaryembodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art thatvarious changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted forelements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. Inaddition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situationor material to the teachings of the invention without departing from theessential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the inventionnot be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best modecontemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the inventionwill include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appendedclaims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A utility task vehicle, comprising: a vehiclebody including a chassis and a roll cage defining an opening; and awindow assembly including a frame directly coupled to said roll cageadjacent said opening via a connector, said window assembly beingrotatable about an axis between a closed position and an open position,wherein said axis is oriented at an angle to a longitudinal axis of theframe at the connector.
 2. The utility task vehicle according to claim1, wherein said frame is rotatably coupled to said roll cage and saidwindow assembly further comprises a cover surrounding said frame.
 3. Theutility task vehicle according to claim 2, wherein said connector iscoupled to an end of the frame, wherein a hinge of the connector definesthe axis.
 4. The utility task vehicle according to claim 2, wherein saidwindow assembly is coupled to said roll cage with a connector, saidconnector being coupled to an intermediate portion of the frame.
 5. Theutility task vehicle according to claim 3, wherein the frame comprises afirst frame portion and a second frame portion operably coupled togethervia a hinge, wherein said hinge defines the axis.
 6. The utility taskvehicle according to claim 3, wherein a contour of said frame isgenerally complementary to an adjacent portion of said roll cage.
 7. Theutility task vehicle according to claim 2, further comprising a doorpositioned generally adjacent said window assembly and said opening,said door being rotatable about another axis, wherein together said doorand said window assembly substantially seal said opening.
 8. The utilitytask vehicle according to claim 7, wherein when said door and saidwindow assembly are in a closed position, said door and said windowassembly are arranged in contact with one another.
 9. The utility taskvehicle according to claim 8, wherein said door and said window assemblyare fixedly mounted to one another such that the window assembly and thedoor rotate about the axis and the another axis in unison.
 10. A methodof exiting a utility task vehicle, comprising: rotating a door about afirst axis from a closed position to an open position; and rotating awindow assembly about a second axis from a closed position to an openposition, said door being fixedly mounted to said window assembly suchthat said door and said window assembly rotate about said first axis andsaid second axis together.
 11. The method of claim 10, furthercomprising releasing said door from said closed position via actuationof a latch.
 12. A method of closing a door assembly of a utility taskvehicle, comprising: rotating a door about a first axis from an openposition to a closed position; rotating a window assembly about a secondaxis from an open position to a closed position; bending said windowassembly towards a roll cage of the utility task vehicle as said windowassembly rotates about said second axis; and locking said windowassembly in said closed position adjacent said roll cage.
 13. The methodof claim 12, wherein said bending of said window assembly includesflexing a window frame of said window assembly about a third axisdistinct from said second axis.
 14. The method of claim 12, whereincontact between a window frame of the window assembly and the roll cageat a first location causes said bending of said window assembly.
 15. Themethod of claim 12, wherein said roll cage includes an engagementmember, said window assembly being operable to engage said engagementmember when said window assembly is bent about said third axis.